Fentanyl Detox in Orange County, California

24-Hour Addiction Treatment in California Fentanyl Opioid Crisis

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid which is similar but much stronger than morphine. It is commonly used to treat patients suffering from severe pain but is also used to treat chronic pain patients who have developed high tolerances to other opioids. Although it is a prescription drug, fentanyl is often used illegally and is often used to make “fake” heroin.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Among the more than 70,200 drug overdose deaths estimated in 2017, the sharpest increase occurred among deaths related to fentanyl and fentanyl analogs (other synthetic narcotics) with more than 28,400 overdose deaths.” Resources state that fentanyl has become ideal for drug dealers due to its extremely high potency in relation to the amount needed—making the drug easy to smuggle.

If you or someone you love is struggling with fentanyl addiction or any other drug addiction, we urge you to contact our Orange County drug detox and residential treatment center at 714-558-2600 . We are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

How Does Fentanyl Affect the Brain?

Like other opioids, such as heroin and morphine, fentanyl binds to the opioid receptors of the brain, which control emotions and pain. As the brain adjusts to the drug and becomes more adaptive of opioid usage, its sensitivity to opioids diminishes, making it difficult for a person to feel pleasure without the presence of drugs.

In many cases, fentanyl usage causes the following effects:

  • Extreme Happiness
  • Confusion
  • Constipation
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Problems Breathing
  • Unconsciousness
  • Sedation

Can a Person Overdose on Fentanyl?

Yes. Due to fentanyl’s extreme potency, a person who uses fentanyl can easily overdose, resulting in life-threatening symptoms. Overdose can result in slowed or stopped breathing, which can decrease the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain. This condition, hypoxia, can result in a coma and permanent brain damage or fatality.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms

Those who suffer from fentanyl addiction and abruptly stop may experience the following symptoms in as little as a few hours:

  • Bone and muscle pain
  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Difficulty staying asleep
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Cold flashes and chills
  • Uncontrollable leg movements
  • Severe cravings
  • Anxiety
  • Intense sweating
  • Runny nose

Medications Used to Treat Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms

Currently, the Federal Drug Administration has approved several medications to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms, such as:

  • Methadone: This acts as an opioid replacement and curbs drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Buprenorphine: This acts as an opioid replacement and curbs drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Naltrexone: This blocks opioid effects, such as cravings, by blocking opioid receptors in the brain.

There are other medications which may be used for fentanyl detox, such as benzodiazepines. However, it is crucial that persons seeking detox from fentanyl do so under medical supervision in a medical detox facility.

Can I Detox from Fentanyl at Home?

No, you should not attempt to detox from fentanyl at home. Instead, you should seek detox treatment from a medical detox facility that has experience treating fentanyl-addicted patients. Fentanyl-related fatalities often occur as a result of severe dehydration, which is caused by vomiting and diarrhea that occurs during the withdrawal process. Such conditions cause dangerously high levels of sodium to accumulate in the blood, causing the heart to fail.

Prescription Names of Fentanyl

Fentanyl prescription brands include:

  • Actiq®
  • Duragesic®
  • Sublimaze®

Street Names of Fentanyl

Street names for illegally used fentanyl include:

  • Apache
  • China Girl
  • China White
  • Dance Fever
  • Friend
  • Goodfellas
  • Jackpot
  • Murder 8
  • Tango & Cash

In Need of Fentanyl Detox in Orange County? Call Fresh Start of California 24/7

If you need immediate addiction treatment, call our Orange County fentanyl detox and residential treatment team at Fresh Start of California right away. We will answer all your questions, address any concerns you may have, and provide immediate treatment options. Our Orange County addiction treatment team understands the process can be intimidating, so we do everything in our power to ensure you are comfortable from start to finish.

Call 714-558-2600 and let Fresh Start of California provide the help you need. We provide both detox and residential treatment!